Alex police have extended an appeal for public assistance on the identity and whereabouts of the still unknown who was gunned down minutes into the new year.
The tragedy, through a single bullet to the head, robbed his family and community of a pillar of support, business service and philanthropy. The shooting occurred in his thriving food and entertainment business on the corner of 3rd and Sam Buti avenues.
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His outlet, popular for its kotas, is temporarily closed pending the funeral scheduled for the weekend.
Alex police spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang said the incident is regarded as premeditated murder. “We appeal for public assistance in apprehending the suspect who seemingly ran away after firing the single, deadly shot followed by other indiscriminate shots as he fled into the night leaving witnesses perplexed.”
Narrating witnesses’ observation, Kodisang said the suspect entered the premises and gave the shop assistant R200 for an order of food and a drink. At the time, the deceased was partially concealed from the suspect’s view. When the assistant shifted, the suspect fired one deadly shot before fleeing on foot without the food or his change. He was said to be a stranger from the throngs said to frequent the place daily.
The victim’s distraught daughter Khanyisile Magagula said the murder occurred as the family was waiting for the deceased to join them in celebrating the New Year. “A family friend came and broke the sad news to us. He usually got home after closing shop at midnight but this time, he never returned,” she lamented.
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She said the news bearers, who was apparently with deceased, told them that the suspect had come in and gone out of the shop, only to return later and fire the fatal shot.
Magagula added that the deceased was a loving father to the family and community. She said many people looked up to him and relied on his generosity. “He went an extra mile for anyone needing his assistance and availed himself, even for mundane things like changing a tyre. My mother, five sisters and a brother have lost a soulmate.” The community held a memorial for him at the East Bank Hall on 4 January, with the funeral scheduled for 6 January at a venue to be announced.
